Dianna Lynn French

Dianna Lynn French, born on August 2, 1946, in Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by her loved ones on June 18, 2025. Dianna was a loving, kind and generous mother, wife, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She had a remarkable career in Information Technology and gave back to her community throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, strong will, adventurous spirit, and as a pioneer in her field and role model for women.

A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, Dianna earned her degree in Computer Science at a time when there were few opportunities for women in this field. She embarked on a successful career in computer programming and program management with industry giants IBM and Lockheed Martin, where she not only thrived professionally but also forged a path for women entering the field of technology. Her resilience and determination served as an inspiration to those within her professional realm but more importantly for younger generations aspiring to follow in her footsteps.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dianna's greatest pride was her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, David French, and a loving mother to her daughters, Kari Fritsch (Emery Rosebush) and Holly Teal (Tom). Her commitment to her family was unwavering, as she embraced the challenges of being a single mother while raising her daughters.

Dianna’s love extended to her grandchildren—Rylee Fritsch, Zach Teal and Annabelle Teal —who brought joy and purpose to her life. Dianna cherished every moment spent with them, often reflecting on the joy of being together, both at home and on their many adventures. She left a promising career at the age of 55 to help raise her grandson while his parents worked.

Dianna was also known for her compassionate and caring personality. She approached life with an enduring positivity, always concerned for those less fortunate than herself and dedicating herself to helping others. This included volunteer activities at Highland BaptistChurch, Salvation Army and various organizations around town.

Dianna was active throughout her life. She particularly enjoyed hiking and bike trips with her husband to places like France, Austria, Canada and numerous destinations within the United States. She found fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with family and friends, dancing around the house, nurturing her garden, and caring for her beloved pets.

She had strong, loving relationships with her extended family including her brother, Dennis Zawol (Stef); sisters-in-law, Vicky Rudder (Stanley) and Diane White; and brother-in-law, George French (Rosa Marleny), along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family. Dianna was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Patricia Zawol; mother-in-law, Mary French; father-in-law, Dewey French; sisters-in-law, Betty Mitchell (James), Eula Mae Vann (FM), and Ginny Spickard (Bob); brothers-in-law, Jerry French and Roger White; and her beloved pets, Casey, Patty, and Justice.

A visitation honoring Dianna's life will be held on June 21, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, East Louisville, located at 235 Juneau Dr, Louisville, KY 40243. A memorial service will follow at the same location at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Dianna's memory be made to Highland Baptist Church or the Hildegard House.

Dianna Lynn French’s life was a gift to all who knew her. Her loving and kind-hearted nature, eternal optimism, bravery, strong will, adventurous spirit and pioneering legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of her family and friends forever.